Installing a depth gauge on a Bayliner Capri

[JimS123]

It shows the one for $100 only goes to 600ft deep

The other one goes to 1500ft I would imagine for $30 more that would be the better option I don't really care about the color screen

The transducer frequency determines the depth range. If you buy one with a 1500 foot range, the sensitivity at 20 feet will not be as good.

If your concern is running aground, then knowing the exact depth at 1500 foot will be of no value to you.

If you want the best of both worlds, get a model with a dual range transducer.

 

[ondarvr]

There are several brands that have sub $100.00 models that will do more than you will need. It's not going to make a huge difference if you're just looking to find out the depth. You won't need to go bigger than the smallest versions, the numbers can be made large enough to see easily.

People frequently want to upgrade after they put some time on a low budget version, but this has more to do with how they plan to use it, which is for fishing, for just knowing the depth in a lake there's no real advantage to a bigger more costly model.

 

[Grub54891]

As far as the shoot thru hull ducer, all you have to do is put some water in a gallon ziplock bag, with no air in it. Set it on the hull, and test the different areas. When you find the sweet spot, mark it and epoxy it in, Make sure you mix the epoxy carefully so no air bubbles are in it and it'll be fine.

 

[Newbie@boats]

I actually like to buy my stuff from iboats since it helps the forum out and they offer great shipping deals for 2nd day air. I will look around the site tomorrow for stuff. I do not plan on using it for fishing, although, I am a avid fisherman I will never really fish off this boat I will use my Jon boat for that where anything with a motor isn't allowed. It's all about the depth reading. Very good point on the 1500 VS 600 being more accurate in 20ft or less of water which makes sense.

 

[NYBo]

...outdirve was very far up

Fine with an outboard, not good with an I/O at anything above idle speed.

 

[JASinIL2006]

I found a Humminbird 385ci for about $350. It's a fairly basic fishfinder/depth sounder/GPS unit, but it works very well. You can even buy high-def maps for many parts of the country (these are loaded from an SD card). I use it for a speedometer, depthfinder and river/lake chart. The screen isn't huge, but it's good enough for my casual use.